I have written a lot about very young children being able to begin their music education using the Animal Note method. It is truly such a joy and their success is heartwarming. I received word just last week from the mother of a five year old girl who was taught at home to play the piano using the Animal Note Method. She will be taking her first lesson from a music teacher tomorrow. When the mother took the child for an interview she was told that a child under 8 was usually unable to learn to play the piano; it was just too difficult, and the basic knowledge was just not there. However, this child passed the test. Her hand position was excellent, she could recognize the beginning standard notes on the Grand Staff, although she called them by their animal names, and she understood basic timing. Her new teacher was amazed and delighted.
However, I have not written much about how truly great this method is for older children. Our studio recently accepted a family of home schooled children. Their ages are 8, 11, and 14. Originally it was our understanding that only the 8 year old was a beginner. As it turned out they all were. We started the 8 year old with the Animal Note Method, and he liked it so much the older two children also wanted to start that with this set of music books. They are all doing fantastic. The 8 year old already knows the beginning nine notes, both as animals and standard notes, and he has moved into the “Timing” book,” Fun Songs”, and “Christmas” book. The 11 year old is about half way through these three books and has started to learn the guitar using the Animal Note Guitar book. He will be playing standard guitar melodies by Christmas. The 14 year old was so excited; she brought her 14 year old friend the next week. These two young teenagers are about to move on to the” Moving On” Book. All four youngsters have good basic timing techniques, and they are learning basic theory from the “Theory for Young Children.” They also easily identify standard music notation, and most of all, THEY LOVE TO PLAY THEIR INSTRUMENTS.
Yes, the ovals of the notes are caricature of animals, and the children call the notes by animal names, but what is really important is that they are learning note reading and timing, all with joy, confidence, and a real feeling of accomplishment.
This method is truly a “win-win” approach for beginners in piano and guitar.
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